today I honor a longtime champion of Arkansas, Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 92 after a long life as a dedicated public servant. As a member of the ``greatest generation,'' John Paul…

as in executive session, I ask unanimous consent that the nomination of Peter V. Neffenger, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; that upon the…

I would like to thank Senator Cardin for his work on the Water Resources Research Amendment Act.

I appreciate Senator Cardin's work, and I am glad to join him.

The Small Airplane Revitalization Act requires improvements to the certification process for small airplanes by modernizing part 23 airworthiness regulations, which will enhance safety and reduce costs.

I am working with Senator Tester on the Homeless Vets Reintegration Reauthorization Program, and that includes homeless women veterans with children.

Very good. That is very helpful.

Cuba represents a remarkable opportunity for American farmers, but it is also an opportunity for Cubans to gain access to safe, affordable, and high-quality agricultural products from the United States.

That is a good point.

If we are serious about really bringing real change to Cuba, we need to expose the Cuban people to America.

I agree with the Senator from Montana, the vast majority of the VA personnel are doing a great job and working very, very hard.

I am concerned about the transition. You know, you will have individuals in the military, active duty transitioning to the VA and these individuals are having problems over a period of a great deal of time.

One of the most important things to prevent these problems from happening is to not prescribe them in the first place when they are not needed.

When somebody comes in from DOD, we have to take a look at their medications that they are on.

I am very familiar with the work that you have done. You are great examples of people that are using your time, your resources for those that simply have no constituency at all in the sense of representation.

But that has been a no in the past or a difficult yes.

GSA's 2016 budget request includes $182 million for the judiciary's top construction priority, a new courthouse in Nashville.

Again, thank you very much. And with that, the hearing is adjourned.

I appreciate that. I was interested in the question that Senator Lankford asked about reducing recidivism and things, evidence-based.

I want to thank all of the people that participated in preparing the hearing today.

I hope that my testimony today provides you with some insight into the fiscal year 2016 funding needs of the Federal courts.

For the past several years, the financial services bill has included language extending temporary Article III judgeships.

The President wants to create $2.1 trillion new taxes, increase spending by 65 percent, and add $8.5 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years.

Chairman Boozman, I would be pleased to provide any additional information that the subcommittee may require or to meet with subcommittee members or staff to discuss our budget request in further detail.

As you make decisions on fiscal year 2016 funding for the agencies under the subcommittee's jurisdiction, we ask that you take into account the judiciary's unique constitutional role in our system of government.